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Sen. Chuck Wiger

On the fourth Saturday in October, millions of Americans and thousands of Minnesotans will unite to do good for others on Make A Difference Day. The nation’s largest day of community service has been celebrated for more than 20 years.
Originally started by USA WEEKEND Magazine in collaboration with Points of Light, an organization dedicated to volunteer service, Make A Difference Day is about volunteers coming together regardless of age, location or resources who accomplish great things when they take on the problems in their communities.

Teachers and those who appreciate their significance in the world will celebrate the 20th anniversary of World Teachers Day on Oct. 5. This day is devoted to appreciating, assessing, and improving the educators of the world. I cannot overemphasize the importance of providing time to look at and address the issues facing both teachers, and students. Setting aside a day to celebrate this important profession was put together party because of many societies’ views on teachers and the lack of respect all too many educators receive.

The American Legion was created in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization that focused on service to veterans, service members and communities. President Kennedy's quote above perfectly captures the Legion's mission of living by our words of gratitude to our service members. It's been five years since Congress proclaimed Sept. 16 as American Legion Day, so I thought on the anniversary of the proclamation I would share some information about the Legion's long and important history.

Summertime in Minnesota is filled with fun events for everyone to enjoy. From great places to eat outdoors to wonderful festivals, Minnesotans really know how to make the most of the warm weather months.

Congratulations to everyone graduating from high school, college and vocational school. This is an exciting milestone in your life that required many hours of hard work and dedication and I salute you for those efforts. It is time to celebrate on your wonderful achievement, reflect on what got you here and look forward to what your future holds.

Following a rash of assaults on the University of Minnesota campus and the nation-wide increase in stolen cell phones and other portable devices, the Senate set out this session to find legislation that would offer cell phone owners some new protections. After working with college students, law enforcement and college campus leaders, two bills emerged as possible answers.

For many Minnesotans, May 10 marks the beginning of a season full of fishing with families and friends. This great day is even more welcome this year, given our truly rugged winter. I spent many days of my youth on beautiful lakes and rivers in our great state and I encourage you to show other young Minnesotans the joys of fishing.

The United States has come a long way since Susan B. Anthony and the National Woman Suffrage Association started their movement to treat women equally in this nation. Thanks to their hard work, and the efforts of all of the women that followed, denying a women’s right to vote, hold office or own a business and property now seems like a ridiculous, backwards practice that is hard to imagine ever existed in our nation’s history.

It’s that time of year again, cabin fever is setting in and residents are getting the ‘spring cleaning’ itch. If you have the ‘throw it out’ mentality, please, instead, rethink possible ways to reuse or recycle unwanted items. Beside curbside recycling, drop-off recycling is an option for paper, metal, glass, plastic and other products at the Environmental Center in Woodbury, 4039 Cottage Grove Dr. Items accepted include: